Titans free up salary cap room with release of veteran QB

Created 03/18/2013 - 3:56pm

Less than a week after they made several significant additions to the roster, the Tennessee Titans made a major subtraction Monday.

The Titans released quarterback Matt Hasselbeck in a move designed to create more room under the salary cap. The 37-year-old was scheduled to earn a $5.5 million salary and count $7.5 million against the salary cap in the final year of a three-year deal.

The decision comes in the wake of reports that the team has met with veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick, who was recently released by the Buffalo Bills.

“I want to thank Matt for his contributions to our team over the last two years,” general manager Ruston Webster said in a statement from the team. “He was an important part of the transition process — he was a pro at every turn and he provided an example to the rest of the team. I know that we are a better team for his being here and we wish him the best.”

Webster estimated last week, following the free agent signings of four players, that the Titans were approximately $5 million under the cap.

As Jake Locker’s backup last season, Hasselbeck played in eight games and started five, two of which Tennessee won including one against the Bills and Fitzpatrick.

He joined the team as a free agent shortly following the lockout that preceded the 2011 season and started every game that year. The Titans went 9-7, their only winning record in the last four seasons. His 3,571 yards and 18 touchdown passes were his highest totals in four seasons.

Hasselbeck is a 14-year veteran who has appeared in three Pro Bowls and led the Seattle Seahawks to the Super Bowl in 2007.